Electrical signaling and recording system



Apr. 17, 1923.

1,451,900 J. M. DIEGEL ELECTRICAL SIGNALING AND RECORDING SYSTEM Filed Dec. 6, 1920 2 Sheets Sheet 1 A TTOfP/VEKS Apr. 17, 1923. 1,451,900

J. M-. DIEGEL ELECTRICAL SIGNALING'AND RECORDING SYSTEM Filed Dec z. 6, 1920 2 Sheets-Sheet I N VEN roe JbH/v 1V. 0/: QEL

ATTORNEYS Patented Apr. 17, 1923.

UNITED STATES JOHN M. DIEGEL, OF MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA.

ELECTRICAL SIGNALING AND RECORDING SYSTEM.

Application filed December 6, 1920. Serial No. 428,700.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, JOHN M. DIEGEL, a citizen of the United States, residing at Minneapolis, in the county of Hennepin and State of Minnesota, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electrical Signaling and Recording Systems, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to electrical signaling and recording systems. An object is to provide a system which will operate signals and recorders when abnormal conditions arise in various devices, and which will also operate signals and recorders when the devices are restored to normal conditions. Among the numerous devices and constructions with which my system may be employed are the following: automatic journal alarms, watchmen, automatic fire alarms, manual fire alarms, fire doors, shutters, windows, grain storage bins, store doors, bank vaults, safes, bonded warehouses, water supplies in tanks and reservoirs. steam pressure, heating, temperature in cold storage rooms, temperature in greenhouses, hospital calls, telephone calls, automobiles in garages, alarms for elevators and rope drives, and signals for grain elevators and flour mills.

My system will eliminate the personal equation present in any system involving personal inspections and report records. It will give constant supervision with an automatic and permanent record with audible and visual notification to a central recorder and to one or more sub-recording stations, eliminating the necessity of checking reports and records which is always subject to oversight or neglect. The entire system is preferably electrically operated from low voltage storage battery current.

An object in particular is to provide a system which will supe'rvise automatic fire sprinkler apparatus and hence my invention will be described more particularly in connection therewith. In such case the system consists of some or all of the following features: Electrical contacts or switches attached to all gate or stopvalves under control of the assured, in feed pipes to sprinklers including all valves on tanks, fire pump, steam and discharge connections, pump suction, city main connections, post indicator valves, all tanks or their source of pressure, pressure in dry and wet pipe systems. steam supply for fire pump, city water supply,

water level in all pressure tanks, surge tanks, gravity tanks, cisterns and reservoirs used as a supply for sprinkler service, temperature in all gravity tanks, cisterns and reservoirs used for sprinkler service in which water might freeze, and at the base of each sprinkler riser all alarm valves to indicate the flow of water in the sprinkler systems. All of the above contacts or switches are connected to a recording device and alarm aoxes. All alarm boxes are connected to sub-recording stations located in the offices of as many executives as may desire notification. If so desired, alarm boxes may be connected to any central station system or city fire department.

The operation in connection with gate valves is preferably as follows: Contacts on all gate valves will give a signal between the first and second revolution of the hand wheel, tending to move the valve from its proper position, or when the valve is controlled otherwise than by a hand wheel, signal will be given before the valve has moved one-fifth of the stem movement from its proper position. The particular valve disturbed is recorded automatically upon the central recorder by means of pens operated by electro-magnets upon a paper record by embossing, puncturing or ink, also giving an audible signal by means of bell, gong, buzzer, horn or whistle, and a visual indication consisting of ared light warning signal. The signal is also sounded by the operation of an alarm box connected to the central recorder to as many sub-recording stations as may be installed, or to any central station ofiice or city fire department. The sub-recording stations consist of a single stroke hell or gong, a punching or ink writing register and a prominent red light warning signal. hen the valve is again restored to normal position a separate and distinctive signal is given, automatically recording upon the central recorder by means of pens operated by electro-magnets upon a paper record by embossing, puncturing or ink. Also, an audible signal by means of bell, gong. buzzer. horn or whistle and red light warning signal is automatically eliminated. Also, an audible signal is, by means of an alarm box connected with the central recorder, sounded to all sub-recording stations, and red light warning signals upon sub-recorders or sub-recording stations are automatically eliminated. Red light warning signals upon the central recorder are automatically eliminated upon the restoration of any particular valve to normal position, but remain visible upon all sub-re cording stations until all valves have been restored to their normal position.

The operation in connection with pressure is preferably as follows: All tanks and their sources of pressure, including steam supply for fire pumps, pressure in dry pipe and wet pipe systems, are provided with separate and independent contacts or switches. Pressure tank attachments will give a high and low signal at ten pounds below or thirty pounds above normal pressure but may be otherwise adjusted. Steam pressure attachments will give a low pressure signal at forty five pounds or otherwise. according to adjustment. Attachments to dry pipe systems will give a high and low pressure signal at ten pounds 'ari'ation above or below normal pressure or other variation depending on adjustments. Attachmentsto wet pipe systems will give a high and lowpressure signal at twenty pounds variation above or below normal pressure or other variation according to adjustment. The variation of any particular pressure either above or below normal as her'einbefore outlined, is recorded automatically upon the central recorder by means of pens operatedby electro magnets upon a. paper record by embossing, puncturing or ink, also, givingan audible signal by means of hell, gong, buzzer, horn or whistle, and a visual indication consisting of a red light warning signal. The sig nal is also sounded by the operation of an alarm box connected to the central recorder, to as many sub-recording stations as may be installed, or to any central station office or city fire department. iVlien any particular pressure i'sagain' restored to normal, a separate and distinctive signal is given, automatically recording upon the central recorder by means of pens operated by electro-magnets upon apaper record by embossing. puncturing or ink. Also, an audible signal by means'oi bell, gong, buzzer, born or whistle and red light warning signal is automatically eliminated. Also, an audible signal is, by means of an alarm boxconnected with the central recorder, sounded to ,all sub-recording stations and red light warning signals upon sub-recording stations are automatically eliminated. Red light warning signals upon the central recorder are automatically eliminated upon the restoration of any particular pressure to normal, but remain visible upon all sub-recording stations until all pressure has been restored to normail. I

The operation in connection with Water levels is preferably as follows: When wate'r'dr'ops twelve inches below the required level in any gravity tank, cistern or reservoir or four inches below or rises four inches above the required level in any pressure tank the particular water level is recorded automatically upon the central recorder by means or pens operated by electro-magnets upon a paper record by embossing, puncturing or ink, also giving audible signal by means of bell, gong, buzzer, horn or whistle, and a. visual indication consisting of a red light warning signal. The signal is also sounded, by the operation of an alarm box connected to the central recorder, to as many sub-recording stations as may be installed, or to any central station office or city fire department. Then the proper water level has been restored a separate and distinctive signal is given, automatically recording upon the central recorder by means of pens operated by electro-magnets upon a paper record by embossing, puncturing or ink, also an audible signal by means of bell, gong, buzzer, horn or whistle and red light warning signal is automatically eliminated. Also, an audible signal is, by means of an alarm box connected to the central recorder, sounded to all sub-recording stations and red light warnii'ig signals upon sub-recording stations are automatically eliminated. Red light warning signals upon the central recorder are automatically eliminated upon the res toration or any particular water level, but remain visible uponall sub-recording stations until all water levels are restored to normal.

The operation in connection with tem- -perature is preferably as follows: All gravir ty tanks, cisterns and reservoirs for sprinkler service in which water might freeze are equipped with a device which will give a separate and distinctive signal when temperature of the water fallsbelow forty de' grees Fahrenheit or rises above one hundred and sixty degrees Fahrenheit. These signals are recorded automatically upon the central recorder by means of pens operated by electromagnets upon a paper record by embossing, puncturing or ink, also giving an audible signal by' means of bell, gong, buzzer, horn or whistle, and a visual indication consisting of a red light warning signal. The'signal is also sounded, by the'opera'tion of an alarm box connected to the central recorder, to as many sub-recording stations as may be in stalled, or to any central station oliice or city fire department.' lVhen the water has been restored to normal temperature a separate and distinctive signal is given, automatically recording upon the central recorder by means of pens operated by electromagnets upon a paper record by embossing, puncturing or ink. Also, an audible signal by means of bell, gong, buzzer horn or whistle and red light warning signal is automatically eliminated. Also an audible signal is by means of an alarm box connected with lit) the central recorder, sounded to all sub-recording stations and red light warning signals upon sub-recording stations are automatically eliminated. Red light warning signals upon the central recorder are automatically eliminated upon the restoration of any particular temperature, but remain visible upon all sub-recording stations until all temperatures have been restored to normal.

The operation in connection with water flow is preferably as follows: it the base of each system riser contacts or switches are attached to each alarm valve to indicate the flow of water .in the sprinkler system. In case the water flow is equal or greater than ten gallons per minute, the alarm is automatically recorded upon the main or central recorder by means of pens operated by electro-magnets upon a paper record by embossing, puncturing or ink, giving a separate and distinctive alarm with visual indication designating the particularsystem riser through which water is flowing. By means of an alarm box connected with the central recorder, these alarms are sounded upon all suh-recording stat-ions and as n'iany other points throughout the premises by means of bells, gouge. horns and whistles. or to any central station office or cityfire department. lied light warning signals upon the central recorder and sub-recording stations remain visible until alarm valve is again restored to normal.

The circuits controlling all devices are under constant electrical supervision with a permanent record. preferably showing an automatic test of the entire etpiipment every fifteen minutes, as aprotection to and notifi cation of accidental or malicious interruption to the circuits, batteries or attachments. The apparatus consists of a series of relays, switches, electro-magnets, pens, signal lights, mechanical devices and paper record operated by a. self-winding clock. All of the attachments or switches on gate valve, pres sure crevices, water levels and temperature.

including water flow devices are connected to the central recorder by wires. Upon each central recorder there is installed one or more alarm boxes which are operated by means relays for the purpose of transmitting the alarms to all sub-recording stations, central station office or city fire department. All alarms or signals of whatever nature are automatically recorded by means of pens operated by electroanagne ts upon the paper record by embossing, puncturing or ink writing. All are easily legible and are accurately determined.

The full objects and advantages of my invention will appear in connection with the detailed description thereof and the novel features embodied in my inventive idea will be particularly pointed out in the claims.

ln accompanying drawings,-

Rig. 1 is a-view of the wiring diagram of my system. Fig. 2 is a sectional elevational view of a recording device. F a is a plan View of a timing mechanism. Fig. l is a fragmentary view of a record tape.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, the character 10 designates a source of electrical energy which is provided with a boltmeter 12 and an ammeter 14. A wire 16 leads from the electrical source so as to be in operative relation with a. plurality of devices by means of similar connections and contrivances. Referring to one of these in detail, the wire 16 is connected through a resistance 18 and a wire 20 with a circuit controller which is of the closed-circuit type and which opens to break the circuit when adevice with which it is associated, such as a gate valve of an automatic sprinkler, assumes an abnormal condition. From the controller a wire illeads to the winding of an e-lectro-magnet 26 connected by a wire 28 to the negative line 30 of -the system. The eleotro-magnet is thus normally energized and the contact 32 is held up to the contact '34-, while the contact points of contact springs 36, 3S, l0 and 42 are not at this time in the circuit. While the circuit through the controller remains closed the apparatus pertaining to any single unit remains idle with the exception of delinquent watchman mechanism and clock mechanism, which operates periodical tests, these two mechanisms being arranged. for operation in a manner which will be described later. lVhen the circuitthrough. the controller 22 is broken the electro-magnet 26 is cleanergized and the contacts 3ft, and 36 are momentarily engaged, which causes current to flow through an elec-tro-magnet 44 by wav of the connection d6 and the wire 48, and from electro-magnet through the wire to contacts 36, and 34 and the connection 52 to the wire 28, and then to the connection 54 on the negative line 80. This action continues only while the armature of the electro-magnet 26 is in either its downward or upward movement andv ceases when the armature has attained its extreme upward or downward position, the upward movement, of course, occurring when the circuit through the controller is again established. hen the eleotro-magnet A is thus energized it will pull up the armature .56 to which is connected a pen or perforator 58, shown in Fig. 2, which makes a single mark or punch on a record tape Which is fed from a roll 62. It will be unoerstood that there is one of these pens for each of the clecltro-magnets l4 and that in practice the electro-magnets M are juxtaposed so as to bring the pens close together across the width of the tape. The result of this operation is that with every downward movement and also erery upward movement of loo Ill)

the armature of one of theelectro-Inagnets 26 a mark will be made on the record tape. When the electro-magnet 26 is deenerglzed the contact points of springs 32, 36 and also of 38, 40 and 42 are engaged and remain in engagement until the electro-magnet 26 is again energized. lVhile the contact points of springs 32 and 36 are engaged, current flows every two minutes through the wire 48 to the electro-magnet lei, and through the wire 50 to the contact springs 36 and 32, and through the wire 64- to the spring finger 66, to the notched wheel 68 and through the wire 70 to the negative line 80. The wheel 68 has thirty notches around its circumference and is secured to a shaft 72 which is rotated once every hour, by clockwork mechanism 7%. The spring finger 66'is thus actuated every two-minutes when the device is not normal and for each actuation' thereof causes a mark or punch to be made on the recorder tape, these marks merging into each other as indicated at (1, 0, (Z, c, j and g in Fig, l on account of the slow movement of the record tape. lVhen the electro-magnet 26 is deenergized the contact s n'ings 88, l0 and are engagled, thus allowing current flow from the positive line through the connection '76, through a wire 78, through the lamp and wire 82 to contact 10 and contact 38, then to the negative line 30, and this also allows current to flow from the connection 8-l through the relay 86 and wire 88 to the connection 90' and through the wire 92 to the contacts 12,40, and 38, to the negative line 30. It will be understood that a plurality of electro-magnets 86 are provided for operating sub-stations. hen the relay 86 is energized the contact springs 9d and 96 are engaged, which allows current to flow from the connection 98 to the connections 100, 102 and 104- and through the lamp 106, the buzzer 108 and the transmitter coils 110 through the switch 112. the

connections 11-fl and 116 to the contact 118,

through the switch 120, through the wire 122 and the contact springs 9st and 96, through the wire 12% to the negative line 30, When the tra nitter coils 110 are energizedthe transmitter will start to run, which will make and break the circuit in accordance with the notches on the wheel 126 which operates contact springs 128 and makes and breaks the circuit at 130 to bells, relay, etc, the feedbeing from the contact 1043 through the resistance 132 and the wire 134 to the negative line 80. In order to cut out the transmitter, the switch is thrown to the point 136, while to cut out the buzzer the switch 112 is thrown oil the contact 116. When the switch is thrown over to the point 136 it cuts out the transmitter, lights the lamp 186 and rings the buzzer 108. The

112, but the lamp will remain lighted until the switch120 is returned to the point 118. In the diagram four relays 86 are shown which function alike, while an additional relay 138 operates like the others but has an additional device attached which is used for night watch service. Some of the electro-magnets, which correspond to the electromagnets 26 and which are designated by the numeral 140, are capable of operating through wires 142 connected to the bus-bar 144 for night watch service, or" when a delinquent alarm device is desired. 7 electro-magnets have not been operated within a certain time, for example before fifteen minutes after each hour, an hour wheel 1 1% secured on the shaft 7 2 and havinga single projection 146 will make contact with a spring finger 118 which allows current to flow from the connection 150 through the electro-magnet coil 152, through the switch 15% to the spring finger 1 18 and through the wheel ill to thewire 70 leading to the negative line 80. This causes the electro-magnet 152 to actuate its armature 156 and allows an arm 158 to drop and engage the contact 160 so that at fifteen minutes after the hour current flows from the connection 162 through the lamp 164, the buzzer 166 and the transmitter 168 to con-- tacts 160 and 158, through the switch; 170 to the spring finger 17 2 and through a quadrant 17% attached to a wheel 176 se cured to the shaft 72, to the connection 1'78 and then to the negative line 30. The time after the hour when it is desired that the delinquent signals shall operate may be varied by means of an adjusting screw 175, by means of which the. position of the quadrant relatively toits wheel maybe changed.

If the watchman is not delinquent and he operates the device connected to the bus-bar 14% before fifteen minutes after the hour, for instance, current will be supplied-to the electro-magnet 180 through the operation of the relay 138, which will alloxv current. from the connection 150 to pass through the electro-magnet 180 to the contact 182,

through the spring contacts 181 to the negative line 80,'thus allowing the electro-magnet 180 to pull the arm 15S offtne point 160, which will restore the delinquent alarm system to normal. These alarms canalso be restored by depressing the key 186, which allows current to pass from the connection 150 to the ele-ctro-magnet 180 and to the point 188 through the key 186 and to the negative line 30. The switch 15% when open serves to prevent the delinquent device from functioning. hen the .switch 170 is open the wheel 17 8 will not function. When the delinquent device operates a'record'such as indicated, by the marks m, n, 0 and 7) will be made on the record tape according to which particular watchman is de- If the linquent. The wheel 190 is secured to and is insulated from the shaft 72 and has four projections 191 equally spaced so as to separate the contact fingers 192 and 194 every fifteen minutes, which tie-energizes the electro-magnet 196 to cause test marks as to be made on the record tape.

The operation and advantages of my invention will be understood from the foregoing description. The shaft '72, to which are secured the wheels 68, 144, 176 and 190, is rotated once every hour by the clock-work mechanism which also causes the reclord' tape to be moved at a uniform rate past a,

plurality of the marking elements, 587 The record tape in the embodiment shown is divided by transverse lines into spaces corresponding to hours and intervening fifteenminute periods, and it is divided by longitudinal lines into spaces corresponding to the various items. in regard to which a record is to be made. The wheel 190 operates to separate, momentarily, the contact fingers 192 and 194, every fifteen minutes and this causes the electro-magnet 196 to be de-energized and energizes the particular one of the series of electromagnets 44 associated therewith, causing its armature to be attracted and register the test marks a; which show that the mechanism is functioning properly. lVhen a device, associated with any one of the circuit-controllers 22 and .corresponding electromagnets 26, assumes an abnormal condition,

the electro-magnet 26 is deenergized and the electro-magnet 44 associated therewith is momentarily energized, thus causing a mark to be made on the record tape by 131521118 of the armature 56 and attached pen at the exact time when the device assumes an abnormal condition. As long as the device remains abnormal, the wheel 68 completes an electrical circuit every two minutes through the particular electro-magnet 44 and causes marks to be made successively on the record tape, thereby producing records such as a, c, (I. e. f, (7,the last mark in any record being made when the device becomes normal, since the armature of the electro-magnet 26 is then pulled upwardly and the electro magnet 44 is energized-momentarily in the ing the co-related lamp 106 and actuating the corresponding buzzer and transmitter in the manner previously described. The operation of the device in regard to delinquent watchmen has already been described in detail.

I claim 1. An electrical signalling and recording system comprising a source of electricity, a circuit controller in the circuit of said source, and operable by a watchman, a shaft adapted to be rotated by clock-work mechanism, an hour-wheel secured to said shaft, a fractional wheel secured to said shaft, means associated with said clockwork mechanism for feeding a record tape, means associated with said hour-wheel and with said fractional wheel, whereby a record will. be made on said tape when a watchman is delinquent in operating said controller, and means which automatically prevents operation of said lastmentioned means when the watchman is not delinquent.

2. An electrical signaling and recording system comprising a source of electricity, a

plurality of circuit controllers in the circuit 7' of said source, means for feeding a record tape, means for marking said tape with a test record when the system is functioning properly, means operated by completion of electrical circuits whereby separate marks will be made on said tape when said circuitcontrollers assume an abnormal condition and return to normal condition. and means also operated by completion of electrical cir cuits for actuating signals at desired places during said abnormal period.

An electrical signalling and recording system comprising a source of electricity, a plurality of circuit-controllers in the circuit of said source. means for feeding a record tape. means for marking said tape with a test record when the system is functioning properly. means operated by completion of electrical circuits whereby separate marks will be made on said tape when said circuitcontrollers assume an abnormal condition and return to normal condition, means also operated by completion of electrical circuits for actuating signals at desired places during said abnormal periods. means whereby a record will be made on said tape and signals will be operated when a watchman is delinquent in operating a circuit controller, and means which automaticallv prevents operation of said last-mentioned means when the watchman is not delinquent.

4. An electrical signalling and recording system comprising a source of electricity. a plurality of circuit controllers in the cir cuit of said source, a shaft adapted to be rotated by clock-work mechanism, a test wheel secured to said shaft, an interrupter wheel secured to said shaft, an hour-wheel secured to said shaft, a fractional wheel, securedto said shaft, means associated with said clock-work mechanism for feeding a record tape, means operated by said test wheel for marking said tapewlien said sy tem is functioning properly, means operated by completion of electrical circuits whereby separate marks will be made onsaid tape when said circuit controllers assume an abnormal condition and returnto normal condition, connections with said interrupter wheel, whereby marks will be made. during such period, .at intervals on said tape, means also o erated by completlon of circuits for actuating signals at desired places during said abnormal perioc, means associated with said hour wheel and with said fractional 'wheel whereby a record will be made on said positive line leading from said source, a

plurality of circuit-controllers connected to said line, a plurality of electro-magnets, the

coils of which are connected to said circuit controllers, a negative line to which said electro-magnet coils are connected, a plurality of normally disengaged, contact members vassociated with each or" said electromagnets and which are engaged when said electro-magnets are ole-energized, a shaft adapted to be rotated by clock-work mechanism, a test-wheel secured to said shaft, an interrupter wheel secured to said shaft, an hour-wheel. secured to said shaft, a fractional wheel securedto said shaft, means associated with said clock-work mechanism for feeding a record tape, means operated by said test-wheelfor marking said tape at regularintervals when said system is functioning properly, means perated bycompletion of electrical circuits through some of said contact members whereby separate marks will be made on said tape when said circuit controllers assumean abnormal condition and return to normal condition, con nections with said interrupter wheel whereby marks willbe made during such period at regular intervals on said tape, means also operated by completion of circuits through said contact members for actuating signals at desired places, means associated with said man is delinquent in operating a circuitcontroller and means which automatically prevents operation of said last-mentioned means when a watchman 18 not delinquent.

6. Anelectrical signalling and recording system comprising a source of electricity, a positive line leading from said source, a plurality of resistances connected ,to said line, a plurality of circuit controllers connected to said resistances, a plurality of electro-magnets, the coils f which are connected to said circuit controllers, a negative line leading back to said source of electricity and to which said electromagnet coils are connected, a plurality of normally disengaged, contact members associated with each of said electro-magnets and which are engaged when said electro-magnets are deenergized, a shaft adapted to be rotated by clock-work mechanism, a test-wheel secured to said shaft, a notched wheel secured to said shaft, a one-tooth wheel secure-d to said shaft, a segment-carrying wheel secured t shaft, means associated with said clock-work mechanism for feedingia record tape, means operated bysaid test-wheel for marking said tape at regular system is functioning properly, means operated by completion of electrical circuits through some of said contact members whereby separate marks are made on said tape when said circuit controllers assume an abnormal condition and return to normal condition, connections with said notched wheel whereby marks are made on said tape at regular intervals between said separate marks, means also operated by completion of circuits through said contact members for actuating audible and visible signals at de sired places, means associated with said onetoot-h wheel and with said segment wheel whereby a record will be made on said tape and signals will be perated when a watchman is delinquent in operating. a. circuit controller, and means which automatically prevents operation of said last-mentioned means when the watchman is not delinquent.

In testimony whereof I hereunto affix my signature.

JOHN M. DIEGEL.

intervals when said 

